The Mission of the Eucharist: Theme of Our Conference and Our Lives

About Our Conference Theme
The conference planning committee was mindful of the ongoing national Eucharistic revival when it chose this year’s theme, “The Mission of the Eucharist: Gather. Unite. Send.” The 10^th National Eucharistic Congress to be held in Indianapolis this July will also launch a Year of Mission for the Catholic Church in the United States and participants will be sent to share Christ’s love “for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)

Therefore, the upcoming USCMA conference this October 29-31 just outside St. Louis is designed with the rich experience of missionaries and the profound gift of the Eucharist in mind. Our facilitators, John and Anne Marie Hansen, are Spiritan Associates, missionaries and educators who have experience with Conversations in the Spirit, the synodal model that will guide our process. Our keynote speakers have had unique personal experiences:

Robert Ellsberg, “Dorothy Day and the Eucharist”

Ellsberg lived with Dorothy Day at Catholic Worker, edited her writings, and is now an advocate for her sainthood in addition to serving as the publisher and editor-in-chief of Orbis Books.

Diane Huggins, “Eucharistic Adoration and Mission”

Huggins has journaled during her weekly adoration for many years, during which she also served in the parish twinning mission between her home parish in Tennessee and a parish in Haiti.

Fr. Abdon Rwandekwe, SJ, “Eucharist, Mission and Reconciliation”

Rwandekwe survived the Rwandan genocide as a child and found his vocation during the healing work of reconciliation. He is currently pursuing his doctorate at the University of San Francisco.

There will be opportunities for Mass and Adoration. We hope the conference will provide an opportunity to participate in this fulfilling moment of church life, grow as a missionary disciple tilling the fields, and spend time with members. The subject can be deeply personal, and the beautiful setting of our conference at the Pallottine renewal center will offer a refreshing break from the daily tasks of missionary life.

How to Participate in the Conference
There are so many opportunities to participate:
  Register NOW to insure your spot at the Pallottine Renewal Center
  Invite your community or organization to become a sponsor
  Join the liturgy team – contact Nichole Petty via email if you’re willing to serve as a lector, sacristan, cantor, or choir member.
Meet our new executive director Kevin Foy, board president Dr. Antoinette Mensah and other USCMA members this October! We look forward to seeing you.